Home Care Providers Must Participate in Emergency Response Drill

The Department of Health (DOH) will conduct an emergency response drill for home care starting on Nov. 6, 2017 and ending on Nov. 8, 2017. All Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), Long Term Home Health Care Programs (LTHHCPs), Hospices, and Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) are required to participate in this drill. Failure to participate will result in a deficiency citation and possible enforcement action.

All LHCSAs, including LHCSAs that exclusively serve the Assisted Living Program (ALP), must participate in the drill; however, the drill is very limited for LHCSAs that serve only the ALP. LHCSAs that exclusively serve ALP residents will need to participate by submitting Form 1, with the box checked indicating that they exclusively serve ALP patients. LHCSAs that serve both ALP patients and patients in the community must submit all forms during the emergency drill, with full participation in the drill for the LHCSA’s community patients.

It is important to note that DOH will be relying on the Health Commerce System (HCS) to generate messaging around the drill, and providers will have to submit reports on the HCS as well. Thus, it is advised that you take steps now, before the drill, to ensure your HCS contact information is accurate and up to date, with all key roles filled.

Click here for the Dear Administrator Letter regarding the drill, which provides additional detail. Questions regarding the drill should be directed to DOH at HCEmergency@health.ny.gov.